There are steps that everyone can take to help prevent getting or spreading any type of influenza:

1.  Become aware of the facts.  Visit the websites below for more information.

2.  Practice good health hygiene.  Disease transmission can be significantly reduced by taking the following actions:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.  Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Practice good "cough etiquette" by coughing or sneezing into a tissue, or into your elbow instead of into your hands.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them.

3.  Get a flu shot.  Both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu immunization shots are required to protect you from both types of flu.  Find a flu shot clinic in Massachusetts at this website: http://flu.masspro.org/clinic/.  You may also check with your local pharmacy for flu shot clinics.